Belk Bowl: Cincinnati (9-3) vs. Duke (6-6)

When: Dec. 27

Belk Bowl: David Cutcliffe has Duke bowl eligible for the first time in nearly 20 years. (AP Photo)

Where: Charlotte

Time/TV: 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Duke coach David Cutcliffe was named the ACC coach of the year, and for good reason. This is the Blue Devils’ first bowl game since the 1994 season. The Bearcats, meanwhile, have gone through coaching turnover since the end of the regular season, with the departure of Butch Jones and arrival of Tommy Tuberville. Duke, led by quarterback Sean Renfree, enters the postseason on a four-game losing streak. The Bearcats switched QBs during the season, from Munchie Legaux to Brendon Kay, and rode Kay through the end of the year.

NFL prospect to watch: Conner Vernon, WR, Duke. At 6-1, 200 pounds with his toughness and route-running ability that allow him to get open quickly, Vernon will get a long look as a late-round slot receiver type.

SN’s pick: Cincinnati. Duke is a great story, and Cutcliffe has something special going in Durham. But it isn’t special enough to knock off the Bearcats.

Instant replay: The ACC has a 6-3 advantage against the Big East in this bowl, whose previous names have included the Meineke Car Care Bowl and the Continental Tire Bowl. N.C. State defeated Louisville 31-24 in 2011.